Princess Peach (ピーチ姫Princess Peach?) also known as Princess Peach Toadstool, Princess Toadstool, or just Peach, is the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. She is the damsel-in-distress in most of the Mario games. She has a love for the color pink, as almost all of her dresses have a shade of the color. She is named after a fruit in the real world, and also one that appears occasionally in RPGS, the Peachy Peach.
She first appears in Super Mario Bros. and has since appeared in most subsequent games, in which she is usually kidnapped by Bowser. Princess Peach is occasionally a key supporting character of the plot, and sometimes a playable character. Her most notable appearance is as the heroine of Super Princess Peach. She has also shown her fighting abilities in Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Super Paper Mario and Super Smash Bros. series. Princess Peach's first game as the main character, Super Princess Peach, has been released worldwide on February 27, 2006. She has also gone through many voice actresses and is currently voiced by Samantha Kelly. She has an affinity for the color pink and has been shown to be a ladylike, kind and very beautiful monarch. Princess Peach resides in her castle along with many Toads who tend to her. She sometimes is about to get her kingdom often attacked by the Koopa Army, lead by King Bowser Koopa. Princess Peach is portrayed as Mario and Bowser's love interest. She also has a special relationship with Princess Daisy, and is a good friend of Luigi, Yoshi, Toad, and Toadette. She has appeared in many sport titles as well as other spin-offs. In addition, she is almost always playable in spin-off tournaments, such as Mario Hoops 3-on-3. As aforementioned, Bowser has also shown to be in love with her in several games, and some of his attempts to kidnap her are so that he can marry her and make her his queen.

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Creation and development

Princess Peach's initial appearance was drawn by Shigeru Miyamoto. Miyamoto has later asked Yōichi Kotabe to redraw Princess Peach with his instructions. He has asked Kotabe to draw her eyes to be "a little cat-like" and that she should look "stubborn, but cute". With Kotabe's influence, Princess Peach changed considerably throughout her gaming history.

Profile

Princess Peach is portrayed as the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom. No larger reigning monarchy appears to exist. In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, the princess has a grandmother, and the Mushroom Kingdom government is ruled by a chancellor and the mushroom retainers. In Mario Superstar Baseball, Lakitu mistakenly calls Toadsworth her character likely due to a translation error. Like most characters from the Mario franchise, her backstory is purposefully left vague and undeveloped (nothing is known about her age, her height, and the royal family which she belongs to), though at the beginning of Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, it has been revealed that she has been kidnapped repeatedly by King Bowser Koopa since childhood. A mushroom king has been a common character in the Nintendo Comics System stories, in which he has been portrayed as a forgetful person. Her mother and father are unknown but presumed alive. While the instruction manual for the original Super Mario Bros. indicates more about that he is related to Princess Peach, he has never appeared in any game and was never mentioned again. In Super Mario Bros. 3, it is revealed that the Mushroom Kingdom is part of a larger "Mushroom World" composed of seven neighboring countries, excluding the Mushroom Kingdom. Each of these are ruled by a different King, however, none of these monarchs seem to be related to her. Princess Peach lives in a beautiful palace surrounded by Toad guards, which also appears in kart and sports games. Eight of these guards are among the "Elite", including the most prominent of all, Toad. According to the American instruction booklet for Super Mario Bros., Princess Peach is the only one who could undo the evil magic that Bowser had cast upon the Mushroom Kingdom; Bowser kidnapped her for this reason. However, upon her rescue, this prophecy is not mentioned in the game itself, nor any other game, nor in the cartoons. Oddly enough, in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, Princess Peach (known as "Princess Toadstool" or simply "Princess" at the time) was depicted as constantly being in search of someone who could defeat Bowser's (known as "Koopa" at the time) forces, despite the fact that Mario and Luigi could do just that (and also the fact that most of the people they were looking for turned out to be of little to no help whatsoever). She looks a lot like Rosalina from Super Mario Galaxy. But, she was also the only one who could awaken both the Beanstar (due to voice being the purest) and the Dark Star.

Physical Appearance

Like most human characters in the Mario franchise, Peach has blue eyes. Her blonde hair (initially red or brown in NES games, resulting in the DiC cartoons depicting her as a redhead) reaches her waist in length, which usually sees her put it into a ponytail for most of her more active appearances. In terms of height, the only human characters to be taller than her are Pauline, Waluigi, and Rosalina (though Pauline may actually be slightly shorter due to the first damsel in distress wearing higher heels).

Her primary outfit consists of a long pink dress with a ring at the bottom, pink panniers, short puffy sleeves, a raised collar, and a sapphire brooch set in gold. Accompanying it are a golden crown with four jewels on it, white evening gloves that reach past her elbows, and deep pink high heel pumps that usually go unseen unless one were to look at the correct angle or she does her primary victory pose in Mario Party 4-6, and, in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl a pair of pink bloomers. This look replaces her original dress, which was a darker pink from much closer to her waist; in the DiC cartoon Adventured of Super Mario Bros. 3 episode "Mind Your Mummy Mommy, Mario" she wore blue high heels as seen when running to a stolen mummy case.

Due to her normal outfit consisting of a long dress and high heels, Peach has a number of alternate outfits for a variety of situations. Her primary two are a pink athletic minidress or a pink tank top and shorts (the latter based on Princess Daisy's primary sports wear); both are paired with white bobby socks and primarily-pink tennis shoes along with her usual jewelry and a blue hairtie keeping her hair in a ponytail. Other, more specifically-oriented outfits include a pink nurse outfit with matching sandals (Dr. Mario), a pink and white biker suit (Mario Kart Wii and both versions of Mario Kart 8, Daisy and Rosalina also receiving their own in their respective color schemes; for some strange reason Wario doesn't use his WarioWare-origin biker outfit himself under the same circumstances), a sleeveless, lighter pink version of her normal dress (Super Mario Sunshine, the sleevelessness along with a lack of her usual gloves being due to Isle Delfino's tropical setting), a pink leotard doubling as a one-piece swimsuit (summer editions of the Mario & Sonic series), a pink minidress with dark pink tights along with white gloves and ankle boots (winter editions of the Mario & Sonic series), and perhaps her most risque outfit, a pink midriff-baring crop top (with a white number 10 on both sides, small in front under her emblem and large on the back under her (also in white) name) and shorts (Super Mario Strikers, the sequel adding protective pink battle armor over it).

Personality

Princess Peach is kind, sociable and experienced. She puts others' needs before her own, despite people refusing as seen with Mimi. Peach has a lot of experience, while she lacks learning from it. Bowser always kidnaps Peach due to her ability that she can undo the spell. Another theory Bowser loves Peach as seen in Super Paper Mario,[1] but Peach does not love him back. After Mario rescues her, she compliments him for saving her. Peach and Daisy are known to be friends even friendly rivals. The two people have similar behavior and abilities, but unique attitude and different powers, reasoning why Daisy is an echo fighter of Peach.

Powers and abilities

Princess Peach has shown in Super Mario Bros. that she can undo the spell. Since her first playable appearance, Princess Peach can hover and attack enemies. Like other characters, she can ground pound and run. She has unique powers that included pink hearts or fruit peaches.

Speech

Although Peach first spoke in Super Mario Bros. with one line, she was voiced by Leslie Swan for the first time in Super Mario 64. She had a mature and deep tone. In the early 21st century, Peach had new voice actresses: Jen Taylor, the former voice actress, and Samantha Kelly, the current voice actress. Peach spoke with an innocent and high pitched tone.

1979-1999 AD

Mushroom World

Bowser summoned Dark Magic onto the Toads that transformed into animate objects. Peach was the only person who can undo Bowser's spell. Bowser kidnapped Peach to prevent her from undoing the spell. Mario heard about it and started his adventure to find her. Mario rescued Toads trapped in the castles, who told him that Peach is in another castle. Mario defeated the true Bowser and saved Princess Peach. Peach thanked him for saving him and presented him a new quest.

Exploring Subcon

Mario told Peach, Luigi and Toad about his strange dream. The group decided to go to the nearby mountain for a picnic. They enjoyed looking at the scenery until they spot a small cave. Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad curiously approached the cave finding a long staircase leading to the door. As they opened the door, they fell into Subcon, the land of dreams. Peach remembered the advice Mario received from his said dream and found king Wart, known for hating vegetables. Peach defeated Wart and saved the Subcons. Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach and the Subcons celebrate their rescue from Wart's evil spell.

Koopalings' invasion

Peach, Toad, Mario and Luigi learnt that Bowser sent his children called Koopalings to Mushroom World to make mischief. The seven Koopalings stole the seven wands from the seven kings of the seven lands, and transformed them into animals. Peach and Toad farewelled Mario and Luigi wishing them luck as the two brothers set off their journey. Peach sent letters to help Mario and Luigi, and enclosing jewels. After Mario rescued the Pipe Land King from the last Koopaling, Ludwig von Koopa, Mario received a letter from Bowser who had kidnapped Peach into the Dark Land. After Mario defeated Bowser, he approached Peach. Princess Peach joked to Mario but appreciated his rescue.

Dinousaur Land vacation

Peach, Mario and Luigi agreed to take a vacation at Dinosaur Land after saving Mushroom World. While Mario and Luigi were napping at the beach, Princess Peach disappeared seized by evil forces. Mario, Luigi and their childhood friend: Yoshi arrives at the Front Door of Bowser's Castle, Mario and Luigi intrude to rescue Peach. Mario and Luigi found Bowser holding captive of Peach in his Koopa Clown. After the disappearance of Bowser, they traveled back to Yoshi's House and continued their vacation.

Jewelry Land invasion

"You must go to Jewelry Land. Its rulers, King Fret and Prince Pine are in terrible danger. You must go and save them. Please, Mario. They are my friends!! Thank you! You must go at once. Good luck and take care, both of you!"

Princess Peach learnt that Bowser and the Koopalings moved into Jewelry Land, they stole the twelve magic gems and kidnapped her friends, King Fret and Prince Pine. As the result of the theft, the kingdom was split into two parts, Light Realm and Dark Realm. Panicked, Peach messaged Mario and Yoshi about the incident. Mario and Yoshi returned to Mushroom World after completing Peach's quest.

Behind the painting

Mario received the letter from Peach who baked a cake for Mario. Mario was excited to arrive at Peach's Castle. Mario heard Bowser's voice that said nobody is in the castle. Mario searched inside the castle. After entering the painting, he understood that Peach and Toad were sealed in a painting by Bowser. After recovering most of the Super Stars and defeating Bowser, he returned to the castle. Peach appears with the Toads. Surprised to see Mario, she thanked Mario for restoring the Stars have been restored. She tells everyone that they should bake a cake for Mario.

1999-2019 AD

Delfino Island vacation

Peach, Mario and Toadsworth were travelling onto the Toad Express to have a vacation at Delfino Island. Peach noticed a shadow figure resembling Mario, while Toadsworth and Mario enjoy their time. The plane made a crash-landing nearby strange goop. Peach noticed the same shadow figure, but disappeared from her sight. Princess Peach told Mario about her concern before he starts to search. After Mario collected the first Shine Sprite, the Pianta Police officers arrested him. Peach was present in the court attempting to prove his innocence. Mario was proven to be "guilty" and was required to clean up the island before he is allowed to leave.

Princess Peach noticed Shadow Mario who attempted to kidnap her, but Mario prevented him as Shadow Mario escaped to the Rainbow M. Shadow Mario kidnapped Peach inside the Mecha-Bowser, after Mario collected the ten Shine Sprites. Shadow Mario revealed itself to be Bowser Jr., shocking Mario and Peach. Bowser Jr. called Princess Peach his "mama", then took Peach into Corona Mountain in the Mecha-Bowser.

Meanwhile, Bowser and Bowser Jr. were enjoying their time in the hot bath tub unlike Peach who sat on the rubber duck. Mario arrived to Peach and tipped the bath tub. This resulted the hidden Shine Sprite to fall out of the pool. Bowser and Bowser Jr. landed onto the raft while Mario and Peach landed on a small island nearby Delfino Island. They noticed the F.L.U.D.D. malfunctioning and it shutted down. Princess Peach pointed out to Mario that the residents are celebrating after the Shine Sprite restored to the Shine Gate. Mario and Peach enjoyed watching the sunset at Sirena Beach until Toad showed them the repaired F.L.U.D.D. that announced that the vacation starts. Everyone enjoyed the island afterwards.

Bowser's galaxy creation

Princess Peach invited Mario to the Starbit Festival, who received the letter. Princess Peach was prepared to give Mario a Luma. Mario arrived at the Castle Gardens. Mario was about to arrive at Peach's Castle regardless of Bowser and the airships that arrived and interrupted the festival. He "invited" Peach to his new galaxy creation, the UFO lifted Peach's Castle to space. Before Mario can do anything else, Kamek casted a spell to Mario sending him flying to space. Luma escaped before Kamek warped the castle.

During the events of Mario helping Rosalina restore Power Stars and Grand Stars to the Comet Observatory, Peach wrote letters to Mario while she was kidnapped. Rosalina and Mario prepared to encounter Bowser at the center of the universe. Bowser Jr. held Peach captive in his airship, but Mario rescued her upon the defeat of Bowser. The galaxy has been deconstructed by the Black hole, while Rosalina rescued Mario from the cataclysm. Awakening at Mushroom Kingdom, Peach and Bowser has not remembered the past events although there were reconstructed galaxies and everyone that Mario met celebrating.

Big Tail Tree

Rescuing Sprixie Princesses

Peach, Mario, Luigi and Blue Toad were enjoying the fireworks at the evening of Mushroom Kingdom. They found a slanted Clear Pipe. After Mario and Luigi fixed the pipe, a green Sprixie Princess panicked and told them that she escaped Bowser, but he kidnapped the other Sprixie Princesses. Bowser came out of the pipe and trapped the green Sprixie Princess in the jar and trapped her in a plains area. Peach checked Bowser inside the pipe, but fell into the pipe. Her companions caught up to her and fell into the plains area where they found the green Sprixie Princess trapped inside a jar.

After Peach and her companions rescued the green Sprixie Princess, they continued to rescue more Sprixie Princesses in other areas. Rescuing the last Sprixie Princess, Bowser kidnapped all the Sprixie Princesses in a large jar and ran to the amusement area.

The foursome rescued the Sprixie Princesses again from Bowser as Meowser. Bowser was launched away as Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad returned back to the Mushroom Kingdom.

Transportation

Hot air balloon: Peach flew onto the hot air balloon to Dinosaur Land.

Weapons

Peach's Parasol: Princess Peach used her parasol for support and weaponry. She uses it to glide and shade herself.

Perry: Perry only appeared in Super Princess Peach, a talking parasol who helped Peach with his knowledge of Vibe Island. Perry uses some of abilities similar to Peach's parasol, even including absorbing enemies.

Musical themes

Ever from her debut, her musical theme was based on Super Mario Bros.. In her Super Smash Bros. Ultimate showcase video, it ayed the Super Smash Bros. Melee version of the overworld theme of Super Mario Bros.. When Mario rescues Peach, it plays the ballet-style jingles.

Profiles and statistics

Princess Peach is mainly described to be a ruler of Mushroom Kingdom and kidnapped by Bowser. Peach or Daisy's descriptions sometimes mentions each other. Peach is normally classified as a Technical character in Mario Sports games. In Mario Kart, Peach is either classified as a lightweight or middleweight character.

Samantha Kelly is the current voice actress for Princess Peach. She started voicing her since Mario Strikers Charged. Kelly mentioned the fact that she likes Princess Peach about her innocence, sweetness and determination.[2]

Merchandise

Peach's amiibo

Princess Peach appears in different types of merchandise. She appears as an amiibo for Super Smash Bros. and Mario Party. She appeared in most Mario themed calendars.

Reception

Princess Peach received both praise and criticism. She was ranked as one of the most iconic female characters[3] and one of the best female characters.[4] An article has rated Peach as one of the top 15 most influential video game characters.[5]

Gallery

Trivia

She has never been known as "Princess Toadstool" in Japan. She was always known as Princess Peach.

Ever since her debut in 1985, Princess Peach has appeared in more games than any female character in video game history.

There's a homage in the game Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix to a famous quote about Princess Toadstool, which is "Thank you Mario / Luigi. But our Princess is in another castle.", very common at Mario's early games: As the player beats the secret boss Akuma, he is given an achievement named "Sheng Long is in another castle". Actually the achievement name means that as well as Mario / Luigi couldn't find the Princess, the player is unable to find Sheng Long but just Akuma. Sheng Long is a "character" originated from a joke, based upon Ryu's quote "You must defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance," which suggested Sheng Long's existence as a secret final boss in the Capcom fighting game Street Fighter II and that helped to create both the characters Akuma and Gouken later.